A federal judge in Virginia delivered a decisive ruling against lawsuits filed by Fairfax and Arlington school districts against the U.S. Department of Education. Judge Rossie D. Alston Jr. stated that the federal district court lacks authority to decide how the federal government distributes funds. The case was dismissed on procedural grounds rather than on the merits of the issue itself. He further indicated that disputes of this kind should be taken to the Court of Federal Claims.

Districts Push Back, Funding Still at Risk

Fairfax and Arlington districts remain determined to defend their position. Neither district has lost federal funding yet, but both were classified as high-risk. This designation requires them to initially cover program costs and then seek reimbursement, creating both administrative challenges and financial uncertainty.

Leaders from both districts expressed deep concern. Arlington officials warned that placing them in such a position could put essential services at risk, including free meals, counseling, and academic support. Fairfax representatives emphasized that the Department of Education’s actions are in violation of the U.S. Constitution as well as the Administrative Procedure Act.

Background: Policies, Investigations, and Defiance

Five school districts in Northern Virginia, Fairfax, Arlington, Loudoun, Alexandria, and Prince William, adopted policies permitting transgender students to use facilities that align with their gender identity. These policies were supported by legal precedent within the region, specifically the Fourth Circuit’s ruling in Grimm v. Gloucester County School Board, which affirmed protections for transgender students.

Following this, the Department of Education, prompted by a complaint filed by the conservative legal group America First Legal, determined that these policies violated Title IX. The Department urged the districts to reverse the policies or risk losing federal funding. All five districts refused to comply.

What It Means and What’s Next

The ruling leaves the broader issue unresolved. Judge Alston’s decision focused solely on jurisdiction and did not address whether the Department of Education’s stance is legally correct. The districts now face several options. They may refile their case in the Court of Federal Claims or appeal this procedural decision to the Fourth Circuit.

In the meantime, the “high-risk” classification complicates financial operations. Because most federal funds are distributed through reimbursement, districts may now experience delays and obstacles in accessing money for programs that support vulnerable students.

What Comes Next

The conflict between federal authority, civil rights, and protections for transgender students remains unsettled. The court’s dismissal has given the districts more time, but it has also placed them in a state of uncertainty. With the risk of disrupted funding and the weight of legal processes ahead, Fairfax and Arlington must now decide their next move, whether to appeal, refile, or seek negotiation.